This week, I am celebrating one year of running this site. I’m so proud of and grateful for the journey that this has been—with all of you reading and growing with me. I wanted to write a blanket thank-you. You know, the sort of speech an actor might say when accepting an award or something. And although I’m just a regular person who hasn’t won any awards, I hope you’ll listen anyway. Because one of my thank-you’s just might be for you.
Thank you to all of the lovely farmers who grow my food. It helps sustain me and keep me healthy, and when I am sick it helps bring me back to health. On a similar note, thank you to all of the workers who made it possible for me to own the things I do—business people, factory people, truck drivers and retail people.
Thank you to the architects, foremen, contractors and builders who assisted in the building of my home, and every building I have ever frequented or resided within. You have literally built my world. I am so appreciative of your handiwork with the strong, sturdy roofs and walls. The comfort, protection and awe that I have felt for your work is immense.
Thank you to everyone who works in public transit, for safely bringing me to and from my daily adventures. Sometimes your vehicles have been the basis of my adventure itself. I appreciate your service, helpful dispositions, and friendly faces. Without you I would have had substantially less freedom over the years.
Thank you teachers and mentors all over the world— those who have worked with me and those who haven’t. Your work is so important. You have the ability to give your students and apprentices hope and perspective. I hope you realize each day that you have the opportunity to be a light in the life of those who have very little.
Thank you to everyone in my childhood that influenced me to becoming who I am today. Collectively, you’ve taught me many lessons, such as the importance of kindness, compassion, growth and admitting your mistakes. You’ve taught me to judge people on their actions and potential—not the amount of money they have, where they’re from or the color of their skin.
However it’s not just about what you have taught me. I also treasure the sentimental moments we have together deep in my mind and heart. Your impact will continue to help me grow as I reflect over the years.
Thank you to everyone who has committed to living a life based on love. It’s not the easiest path, but it is the best one. Together, we make the world stronger, happier and brighter.
Thank you to anyone who has been brave when they were scared. The more you know of this, the harder you know it can be, but I appreciate your bravery to the utmost, because it shows us all what is possible. And it helps give courage to those who haven’t stood up yet.
Thank you for reading this, all my loyal readers. I adore the thought and feeling of being able to share myself with you, and hope that my insights can help you along the path that you choose. Knowing you all are on the other side reading these things helps give my life a special added meaning that I will never take for granted.
Thank you to everyone who has ever hurt or devalued me. Although I may have not liked it in the moment, your neglect and disrespect showed me things about myself that I never would have seen otherwise.
Thank you to all of the care-takers and nurturers in this world. A lot of people take the work you do for granted, but your love and sacrifice is the backbone of a society that is emotionally stable and content. Your contribution makes such a difference in the well-being of society as a whole.
Thank you to those who are fighting for what is right, on all levels. Some days, justice and baseline respect seem like a losing battle, and if this is one of those days for you, I’d just like to remind you that there are people out there who really appreciate and benefit from the work you do. You are important, and every good that’s ever happened in this world happened because of someone’s influence. Use your influence to the best of your ability.
For anyone who is struggling with tragedy or mental illness, thank you so much for your wisdom and your strength. Thank you for being here, sharing this world with me. Thank you for feeling your pain and staying alive anyway. Thank you for being the beautiful human being you are and know that you are loveable, likeable, and so wonderful. You may not ever “get over” this, but you can get through.
It was a journey getting to the point where I wanted to put my thoughts on the internet for the world to see, and it’s been a journey this whole year of doing so. Thank you so much to everyone for your part in this journey. Some of you held me up when I felt like falling over, or gave me inspiration and ideas. Some of you asked for my advice, friendship or support. Some of you are just reading my thoughts on the other side of the screen.
But from the bottom of my heart, thank you for your part in this. And you do have a part in this. I know that the world is a better place when we all come together, share our thoughts and stories and solutions, and get real with each other. So thank you, lovely person, for your contribution, to the Thoughts that Bind, and this world. Happy one year online with me.
Thank you Rebekah! <3